What happened to the skydiver in Far North Queensland?

A skydiver's reserve parachute accidentally deployed and became tangled around the tail of the aircraft, causing damage and a dangerous mid-air situation.

How did the skydiver get free from the plane's tail?

The skydiver used a hook knife to cut the tangled lines of his reserve parachute, freeing himself from the aircraft's tail.

Was the pilot able to land the damaged plane safely?

Yes, despite significant damage to the tailplane and limited control, the pilot successfully executed an emergency landing at Tully Airport.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Skydiver's Mid-Air Battle with Tangled Chute

Skydiver's Mid-Air Battle with Tangled Chute

11 Dec

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Summary

Skydiver became entangled with the aircraft's tail after reserve chute deployed.
Pilot maintained control of the damaged aircraft for an emergency landing.
Skydiver used a hook knife to free himself in under a minute.

Skydiver's Mid-Air Battle with Tangled Chute

A terrifying mid-air emergency unfolded for a skydiver when his reserve parachute became entangled with the tail of the aircraft he had just jumped from. The incident occurred during a routine jump with the Far North Freefall Club in Queensland, Australia.

Footage revealed the skydiver's reserve chute handle snagged on a wing flap, causing an unexpected deployment. This pulled him backwards, damaging the plane's tail and leaving him suspended beneath it. The pilot, initially unaware, noticed significant control issues and vibrations due to the aircraft's damage.

In a remarkable display of quick thinking, the skydiver, who has over 2,000 jumps, used a hook knife to sever the tangled lines in under a minute. He then deployed his main parachute and landed safely with minor injuries, while the pilot skillfully managed the damaged aircraft for an emergency landing.